10/01/1997, Public Hearing Meeting MinutesMINUTES OF
KENNEDALE CITY COUNCIL
PUBLIC HEARING -OCTOBER 1, 1997
100 E. BROADWAY ST. -COMMUNITY CENTER
Mayor Mundy called the public hearing to order at 7:06 p.m.
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Members present were Mayor Mundy, Councilmen Wright, Barrett, Boone and Kovach.
Councilman Steeno was absent.
Staff present were Ted Rowe, Kathy Turner, Michael Box, Lynette Whidden, Linda Royster,
Linda Rhodes and Mort Wetterling.
Prior to the public hearing, Mayor Mundy recognized Linda Royster, Director of Utility Billing
and Records Management Officer, for her 20 years of service to the City of Kennedale. Mayor
Mundy presented Mrs. Royster with aclock/pen set on behalf of the Mayor, City Council and
City Staff.
Public Hearing - To allow citizens to comment either for or against the appointment of a
proposed Home Rule Charter Commission in preparation for holding a new election for Home
Rule status for the city.
Mayor Mundy quickly briefed the audience on the two forms of government, which are home rule
and general law. He implied that the City of Kennedale is a General Law City, which is governed
by State Law and has many limitations as to what the city can and cannot do. Therefore, one of
the goals of Council was to seek Home Rule status once Kennedale met the required population
of 5,000, and called for a special election in August 1997.
Next, Mayor Mundy expressed that is why Council is here tonight because the election was
defeated and Council is requesting citizen's input as to whether or not another election is
desirable. He said he has received many calls in support of another election, but at the same time
Council has to respect the vote of the citizens.
Council then heard testimony from many citizens in support of another election stressing the
importance of Home Rule and encouraged an election as soon as possible while some citizens
voiced opposition. Other citizens wanted more time so that they may clearly understand what the
meaning of Home Rule is, which would allow them the opportunity to make the right choice as to
vote for or against the proposition.
In closing of the public hearing, Council stressed that the Home Rule Charter Commission is
solely in control of the drafting of the Home Rule Charter and Council's duty is to call for the
election only. Council encouraged the citizens to participate and review the charter because
many of the concerns brought forth were addressed in the present charter.
There being no further discussion Mayor Mundy adjourned the public hearing at 8:13 p.m.
APPROVED: /~ ~3 ~7
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Mayor Robert P. Mundy
ATTEST:
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City Secretary